Five Years On: Honouring the Bus Drivers Who Kept Britain Moving

March 20 2025

CPT's Chief Executive, Graham Vidler, reflects on the contributions of bus drivers during the pandemic. 

This week marks five years since the UK entered its first lockdown due to COVID-19. In those early days, uncertainty and fear were everywhere. Streets fell silent, daily routines were upended, and a sense of isolation took hold. 

The road transport sector was hit hard, with passenger numbers plummeting as remote working became the norm and once-busy routes emptied. But the crisis also underscored the essential role of buses in keeping communities connected. 

Throughout the pandemic, bus services remained a vital lifeline. Drivers and staff ensured that NHS workers could reach hospitals, key workers could get to their jobs, and those in rural and vulnerable communities were not left isolated.  

In the early days, when so much about that strange new world was unknown, bus drivers continued their work. They kept services running, providing a crucial link for those who had no other means of travel. While doctors and nurses are rightly praised for their bravery on the frontline, bus drivers were often the silent heroes of the pandemic - unsung but indispensable in keeping Britain moving. 

Five years on, the bus industry continues to recover steadily. Recent figures from the Department for Transport reveal that bus passenger journeys across Great Britain rose by 8% last year, reaching 4.04 billion in the year ending March 2024 - an equivalent of 11 million journeys every day. This marks an impressive 28% growth over the past two years, reflecting a resurgence in public confidence and the increasing importance of buses in everyday life. 

As we mark this anniversary, CPT recognises and thanks all of the bus drivers who kept the country moving during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Their dedication and resilience ensured that people could access work, healthcare, and essential services when it mattered most. Faced with uncertainty, they continued to serve their communities with professionalism and care.  

We extend our deepest gratitude to all those in the bus industry who played a role in keeping Britain connected. Thanks to their dedication, buses remained a lifeline when they were needed most - and they continue to be at the heart of our transport network today.